Dept. of Interior's Gale Norton resigns. And there's Jack Abramoff

There isn't any hard evidence that Gale Norton-- who has been a big friend to big oil and a bane for conservationists in ther five-year term-- is stepping down because of questions about her financial ties Jack Abramoff (is there a prominent Republican he hasn't funneled money to?), but it sure is fun think about.

The Denver Post writes: Norton’s tenure was also marked by repeated ethical controversies. Norton cleared her top deputy, former lobbyist J. Steven Griles, after her inspector general said his conduct showed that the department’s ethics system was “a train wreck waiting to happen.” Griles is now under investigation for allegations that he did the bidding of convicted Indian casino lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Norton is still supporting him.

Think Progress adds: Recall, Norton received $50,000 from Jack Abramoff, and Abramoff also funneled more than $500,000 to one of Norton’s former political aides, Italia Federici, to gain access to her department.

Somewhere Boss Tweed is laughing.